Franklin, Ind. - The Franklin College women's basketball held No. 15-ranked Transylvania University to a season-low scoring output, but the Pioneers defeated the Grizzlies 52-44 in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) play on Wednesday from the Spurlock Center.

Sophomore Lauren DeSutter (Pittsboro, Ind./Tri-West) led Franklin with 11 points. Classmate Kayle Comer (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) added nine points off the bench. Seniors Nichole Thompson (Greenwood, Ind./Greenwood) and Lindsey Dall (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) each scored seven points.

Franklin (8-7, 6-3 HCAC) held Transylvania to 22.2 percent shooting in the first half and led 16-15 after the opening 20 minutes.

Comer connected on a three-point field goal to give the hosts a 12-9 lead with six minutes left in the period. A layup by freshman Kelsey Smith (Lexington, Ind./Scottsburg) put Franklin ahead 16-13 with 37 seconds left. However, Transylvania (15-1, 9-0 HCAC) got a layup from Jordin Fender on its next possession to trail by one point at intermission.

In the second half, the Pioneers took a 23-19 lead following a layup by Sarah Ashley at the 14:35 mark. A three-point play by sophomore Mandy Fisher (Mooresville, Ind./Mooresville) cut the deficit to one point, 23-22, on the next Franklin possession.

Later, Transylvania used an 11-4 run midway through the period to take a 35-28 lead. The margin grew to nine points, 40-31, after a layup by Katelyn Smith with 7:02 left.

Franklin battled back with five consecutive points. Sophomore Sarah Taylor (Fishers, Ind./Fishers) converted a layup and Comer made a three-point field goal to bring the Grizzlies within four points, 40-36, with 4:31 remaining.

DeSutter made all three free throw attempts after being fouled on a shot from behind the arc to cut the deficit to 44-39 at the 2:19 mark.

The Grizzlies trailed 48-44 with 45 seconds left after a layup by Thompson. However, a layup by Smith and two more free throws from the guard secured the victory for the Pioneers.

Finder led the visitors with 17 points, while Smith added 14 points.

Franklin returns to action on Saturday, January 24, at 4 p.m. when it hosts Mount St. Joseph University from the Spurlock Center. Live audio, statistics, and video of the game will be available. In-game updates will also be available on Twitter (@FCAthletics) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FranklinCollegeAthletics).